Aldwych Theatre
49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF
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Shadowlands Tickets
Hugh Bonneville returns to the West End stage in a revival of this moving drama about C S Lewis.
4.8 28 reviews from 28 verified reviews- Booking until: Saturday, 9 May 2026
- Running time: 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
- Starring: Hugh Bonneville
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Shadowlands in London
Starring:
Hugh Bonneville
Hugh Bonneville will reprise his role as C S Lewis in this sparkling new revival of William Nicholson's critically acclaimed play, which explores the relationship between the Chronicles of Narnia author and American poet Joy Davidman, in a moving portrait of love, loss, and faith.
Why you should see Shadowlands
- Don't miss BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-nominated Hugh Bonneville (Paddington, Downton Abbey) in his much anticipated return to the West End fresh off the success of the Downtown Abbey film.
- The play is based on the heartbreaking true story of C S Lewis's unexpected romance with Joy Davidman, and his own account of struggling with grief and faith after her untimely death.
- Lewis had a fascinating life and a remarkable impact on literature, and this is your chance to see him in a new light through a breath-taking and tragic piece of his history.
What is Shadowlands about?
It's the 1950s in Oxford and C S Lewis - a reserved middle-aged academic and author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia - is perfectly happy being a permanent bachelor. That all changes when he meets American poet Joy Davidman, whose outspoken boldness clashes with the patriarchal world of the university, sparking an unexpected but powerful romance. But when Joy is diagnosed with cancer, Lewis must grapple with the realities of the fragility of life and love and face a harrowing challenge to his own faith.
First written for television in 1985, Shadowlands was adapted for the stage by William Nicholson (Gladiator) in 1989 and later inspired an Oscar-nominated 1993 film starring Anthony Hopkins. It's loosely based on Lewis's own musings about his grief and loss of faith in his book, A Grief Observed. Bonneville first starred in this role at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019, and is now set to make his much anticipated return to the London stage in this 2026 revival, which begins performances at the Aldwych Theatre in early 2026.
Don't miss this heart-rending portrait of love, loss, and faith when it arrives in London six years after first enchanting audiences.
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Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Aldwych Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for Shadowlands tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Shadowlands has never been easier.
Shadowlands Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 9 May 2026
- Running time:
2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
- Age restrictions
Ages 12+. Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per 10 children). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Shadowlands are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
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Shadowlands reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Couples (86%)
- Theatregoers (93%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Shadowlands.
verified
"Surprised by love"This was a captivating performance well spiced with dry humour but overall, totally absorbing and utterly convincing portrayal by Hugh Bonneville of a man who believed he was pretty much self sufficient albeit a devout Christian who was startled to discover the allure of a witty, intelligent woman, Joy (played superbly by Maggie Siff)who admired him but could also laugh at him & refused to treat him as a guru. She had the audience as well as Lewis, eating out of her hand. Great supporting characters too. A beautiful and thought-provoking show..do we need the experience of pain and loss to understand Love? I believe it's the experience of being loved that can help us bear pain and suffering, that gives us belief there is more good in the world than bad and more demonstration of love and valuing of others in life might well lead to less pain and suffering.
E Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Eve
United Kingdom
verified
Bonneville is Fantastic.J Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Jessica
United States Of America
verified
Great Performance of Shadow lands.Great performance of this wonderful play
G Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Gerard
Ireland
verified
Thought provokingReally liked the acting. Hugh Boneville was standout. Story line a bit limp. Found the audience so annoying tittering a the slightest thing
J Reviewed on 20 February 2026 by John
United Kingdom
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Excellent Boneville and brother?Worth the visut very exoensive ice cream
W Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by William
United Kingdom
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MarvellousOne of the best shows we have seen in a long time…Hugh Boneville was fantastic as was Maggie Siff. Sad, funny, thoughtful, characterful. In essence wonderfully acted, scripted and produced.
A Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by Annie
United Kingdom
verified
Sad, thoughtful but interestingWe found the whole event somewhat depressing knowing what was to come. The theme is grasping happiness whilst you can and that everything good is temporary. Emphasis on grief and suffering. The acting was excellent but overall we left feeling sorry for everyone.
E Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by Eleanor
United Kingdom
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Excellent, a must seeS Reviewed on 18 February 2026 by Sven
Belgium
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Engaging playS Reviewed on 18 February 2026 by Simon
United Kingdom
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Shadowland is a very well acted and thought provoking play. I was thoroughly engaged!
R Reviewed on 17 February 2026 by Robert
Canada
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Wonderful actingReally enjoyed this production. Really moving story.
A Reviewed on 15 February 2026 by Anna
United Kingdom
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CS Lewis’ philosophy was conveyed as powerfully as his love and grief.D Reviewed on 13 February 2026 by Daryl
United Kingdom
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Poignant perceptive and philosophicalA show to expose and express your feelings fears loves inhibitions and limitations.
S Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Simon
United Kingdom
verified
Lovely storytellingI didn't know what to expect from the show, but from nearly the first moment you're drawn in to the deep storytelling. It's not fancy or overly complicated, and that's what makes it wonderful.
N Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Nicole
United Arab Emirates
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Thought provokingActing brilliant. The plot covers a hard philosophical argument which might not appeal to all. But worth it just for Hugh Bonneville.
S Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Susan
United Kingdom
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A well played, funny and profound storyTreating with serious matters: God, why suffering, is our world experience a Shadows of other realities, death, mourning, love, marriage... Moving and funny. Marked by CS Lewis thinking and writing. I understand that he lived in a time (post war, materialism, communism...) where his faith had to find answers. We are in a very different world now and I will not address those question the same way, but it has the merit to ask those questions that can easily be forgotten.
M Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Marie-christine
United Kingdom
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Thought provokingBitter sweet & amusing. Excellent acting. Very enjoyable despite the sad story
L Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Lesley
United Kingdom
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Endearing profound thought provokingAmazing acting by Hugh Boneville. Beautiful story telling . Both funny and tragic
J Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Julia
United Kingdom
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PlayI thought the play was very good& it did have introductions. The older guy, the women , the lawyer,& the bold men were very good. If they had music it would have been better. I came to the show because to pass time& meet people. I would like to get creams of Elizabeth Arden & make up. Skechers 150 pounds voucher. I would like to get a good bag from John Lewis. Some good tops & sweaters from Marks & Spencer’s. Good sum of money to spend. I throughly enjoyed the show.
A Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Asita
United Kingdom
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Lewisian gneissCerebral but great acting and the story does move along nicely
P Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Peter
United Kingdom
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Brilliant acting, cast and storylineWell worth attending, such an emotional story. I loved it and would watch it again. The cast is brilliant
C Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Christine
United Kingdom
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An emotionally charged performanceBeautifully written and exquisitely staged. It deals with the themes of love, life, happiness, loss, grief and suffering. Sees you sobbing and laughing in equal measure.
D Reviewed on 09 February 2026 by Daniela
United Kingdom
verified
Amazingly acted and such a moving storyShadowlands was an amazing emotional and cleverly acted play. The story is joyous and sad, a rollercoaster of emotions. Hugh Bonnneville and Maggie Siff are amazing and play their parts perfectly, you feel the emotions they both feel. I would recommend the play to everyone although the younger generation may not have lived and lost in the same way to appreciate the emotions, I and my husband on the other hand, were emotionally moved as we have recently lost loved ones. Well done to all of the actors and the scene creators for the clever use of the stage and lighting. Thank you for telling us an amazing story which I had never known.
F Reviewed on 08 February 2026 by Francine
United Kingdom
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Touching story and superb castThe story could awaken sad and uncomfortable feelings in some, very much depends on one's attitudes and beliefs, not perhaps suitable for children or teens but the cast was great, everyone, and the magic of theatre happened transporting the viewer into imaginary yet very real world.
E Reviewed on 08 February 2026 by Elena
United Kingdom
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A must seeA Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Aidan
Ireland
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Funny,creative and thoughfulIt is very british and excellent production. ⁴
H Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Hortencia
United Kingdom
verified
Love and faith essential for our livesDeeply thoughtful and genuinely kind, caring putting faith as a true anchor of life
H Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Hany
United Kingdom
Shadowlands Latest News and Features
Review: SHADOWLANDS at Aldwych Theatre Saturday, February 14 2026, 18:17 
Production images released for SHADOWLANDS starring Hugh Bonneville Wednesday, February 11 2026, 08:57 
The must-see theatre revivals in London in 2026 Monday, January 12 2026, 17:01 
Full Cast Announced for SHADOWLANDS in the West End Monday, December 22 2025, 13:14 
Stars on Stage in London in 2026 Friday, December 5 2025, 19:04 
Maggie Siff to join Hugh Bonneville in West End production of SHADOWLANDS Wednesday, November 12 2025, 09:12 Your e-tickets for Shadowlands at the Aldwych Theatre will be emailed to you just after your reservation.
